Beginning of the End - Ellen G. White

that pointed to the death of Christ. As the minds of the people were
darkened by idolatry, he led them to counterfeit these offerings by
sacrificing their own children on the altars of their gods. As people
turned away from God, the divine traits of character--justice, purity,
and love--were replaced by oppression, violence, and brutality.
The residents of Babel had determined to establish a
government independent of God. Some among them, however,
feared the Lord. For the sake of these faithful ones, the Lord delayed
His judgments and gave the people time to reveal their true
character. The followers of God tried to turn them from their plan,
but the people were fully united in their Heaven-daring project. If
they had gone on unhindered, they would have corrupted the world
in its infancy. If this alliance had been permitted, a mighty power
would have emerged to banish righteousness--and with it peace,
happiness, and security--from the earth.
Those who feared the Lord cried out to Him to intervene. "But
the Lord came down to see the city and the tower which the sons of
men had built." In mercy to the world He defeated the plans of the
tower-builders, and in mercy He confused their speech, stopping
their rebellion. God is patient with human wickedness, giving
opportunity for repentance. From time to time His unseen hand is
stretched out to restrain wickedness. The world receives
unmistakable evidence that the Creator of the universe is the
Supreme Ruler of heaven and earth. No one can defy His power
without reaping the results!
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